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Why Christie should run

If Chris Christie ever wanted to be president—ever harbored a distant notion of sitting behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office—he has to go now.

The election of 2016 may as well be a million light years away. One can only imagine that Christie, like many other budding Republican superstars, figured he could ripen on the vine before jumping into the fray four years from now. But, that’s what they were all thinking a year ago. And a year ago, despite the economy, President Obama’s chances of being reelected still looked like a pretty good bet. …

So, now it looks a lot more likely that 2016 will be a reelection year for a Republican incumbent. … And, after a few more years as governor of New Jersey, Christie will be old news with a lot more baggage. You gotta go when you’re hot. Ask Barack Obama.

Yes, there are all the obvious logistical challenges. But, getting in this late, Christie creates an instant media tsunami and could surf his way through the first primaries on the late-breaking strength of the wave. Christie probably had two thoughts watching Gov. Rick Perry: (1) it is hard to get in late, but (2) I can sure as hell do better than he’s doing.

Maggie wrote overnight about why it would be an unbelievable risk for Christie to get into the 2012 race: He'd have to scramble a national-level organization into place, he'd be subjected to scrutiny he's never experienced, his political standing at home might suffer, a 2013 reelection campaign in which he's currently favored could get much more difficult.

If Christie would be happy to spend the rest of his political career as governor of New Jersey and attorney general in the Rubio or Portman administration, then staying out of the 2012 race is by far the safer choice. But the demand for him as a White House candidate may never be greater than it is now.

As McKinnon notes, if Christie stays out of the race and another Republican gets elected president, that closes the door for 2016 entirely. I'd add that if Christie stays out of the race and Barack Obama wins another term, he risks looking like a guy who let down his party in its moment of need.

I hope the man doesn't get pressured into doing something he or his family may come to regret.

As a retired military man of nearly 27 years, I did SO many things for my country that weren't conducive to a "good family atmosphere," and I am but one of millions who have done the same, and many if not most have done much more than I. To not serve your country because of "family issues," especially in this extreme time of need, would be the most selfish act a man could commit. The country needs you Governor Christie, man-up!

Philip2: Oct. 3, 2011 - 6:21 AM EST

Burns, what if he has MEDICAL issues that cause him to pause?

Medical issues? I personally visited troops at Walter Reed Hospital a couple years ago. There were men and women with limbs blown-off. I think we can all agree they had "medical issues" not requiring a note from the doctor. Did these heroes ask us to "pause" for them? NO. Instead, they all wanted to come back, in uniform, and re-deploy right back to the place they left on a stretcher. Some actually have, with prosthetic limbs. Governor Christie, man-up!

Christie has yet to tackle the budget and debt problems of New Jersey, instead he fights with everyone in his NY Assembly, castigates NJ teachers who by the way make NJ public schools one of the best systems in the USA, and he takes state helicopters to his children's soccer matches!!

Until Christie proves himself in his present job, why is the Republican party so bent on pushing him into public office. I thought the whole problem with Obama was his lack of experience. Well, look at Christie. If he can't get his state finances in order (NJ ranks only a bit after Illinois in unfunded state obligations), can we really expect he get anything done in Washington.

Finally, the presidential office is extremely taxing. Christie has already been admitted to the hospital once while governor. When you weigh over 300 pounds, your heart is already working in overdrive. Add a stressful job, and we better be sure we have a great VP candidate behind Christie.

Quick! Run before he has a heart attack! No, seriously, he should start running and get in shape. I don't think people will elect someone who has no self-control or self-discipline when he's been HOSPITALIZED for his health issues! Never mind that the Republican 'brand' is personal responsibility and how rising health care costs are supposedly OUR fault. This dude's pushing 3 bills, he'll be wheezing in the first debate.